If you think McDonald's is the most ubiquitous restaurant experience in America, consider that there are more Chinese restaurants in America than McDonalds, Burger Kings, and Wendys combined. New York Times reporter and Chinese-American (or American-born Chinese). In her search, Jennifer 8 Lee traces the history of Chinese-American experience through the lens of the food. In a compelling blend of sociology and history, Jenny Lee exposes the indentured servitude Chinese restaurants expect from illegal immigrant chefs, investigates the relationship between Jews and Chinese food, and weaves a personal narrative about her own relationship with Chinese food. The Fortune Cookie Chronicles speaks to the immigrant experience as a whole, and the way it has shaped our country.
The Washington Post - Christine Y. Chen Reading Lee's book is almost like watching a documentary travelogue. From all-you-can-eat buffets in Kansas to the small southern Chinese village of Jietoupu, where she tracks down descendants of General Tso (who, natch, have never heard of, seen or tasted their forefather's infamous chicken dish), the author takes readers by the hand and brings them on her adventure…Where Lee really shines, though, is in describing the people who have cooked, served and delivered America's favorite cuisine. The Fortune Cookie Chronicles isn't just about the popularization of Chinese food; it's also a story of Chinese immigrants in America.

The fortune cookie chronicles : adventures in the world of Chinese food

Lee, Jennifer 8., 1976-

Jennifer B. Lee

Twelve ; Little, Brown [distributor

Grand Central Publishing

Hachette Book Group

Springboard Press

New York: Twelve

1st Trade ed., New York, New York State, 2009

United States, United States of America

First Trade edition, New York, 2009

New York, London, 2009

Illustrated, 2009

Includes bibliographical references (p. [298]-309).

Documents the author's research into the history of Chinese food as obtained while traveling throughout the country and the world, in an account during which she explored the role of immigration and assimilation on traditional cuisine, investigated a debate over the true inventor of chop suey, and discovered the tradition behind trapezoidal take-out containers. Reprint

"A woman's search for the world's greatest Chinese restaurant proves that egg rolls are as American as apple pie"--Provided by publisher
Includes bibliographical references (p. [298]-309)

2023-06-28